Law School in Plain English: Torts & Criminal Law.
This podcast breaks down complex legal principles from torts and criminal law into plain English, making the law accessible for everyone. It is designed for law students, undergraduates considering law school, and lifelong learners. Each episode demystifies one legal concept at a time, helping listeners understand the fundamentals of the American legal system.
Episodes
Product Liability: When Your Toaster Becomes A Defendant
Send us Fan MailIn this explosive episode of Law School in Plain English, we break down product liability—the law that decides who pays when everyday products fail in catastrophic ways. From exploding soda bottles to flaming hair spray, defective cars, and billion-dollar talcum powder verdicts, we take you from the basics all the way to real-world courtroom outcomes.Support the showThanks for list
Buck v. Bell: The Supreme Court Case That Inspired Hitler’s Final Solution.
Send us Fan MailBuck v. Bell: The Supreme Court Case That Inspired Hitler’s Eugenics Nightmare. In 1927, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that states could forcibly sterilize “undesirables” like Carrie Buck—a young woman falsely labeled “feeble-minded” for being poor and pregnant out of wedlock. Justice Holmes’ infamous line? “Three generations of imbeciles are enough.” We unpack this dark chapter
Law School In Plain English: Hidden Verdicts - When The Supreme Court Justified Death By Electrcity.
Send us Fan MailThey called it progress.Thomas Edison called it science.But when the Supreme Court gave its blessing, electricity became something else entirely — a state-sanctioned killer.In this eerie Halloween edition of Law School in Plain English, Jeff pulls back the curtain on one of the most haunting legal moments in American history: when innovation met execution.This is the story of how a
Law School In Plain English: Hidden Verdicts - “The Law That Said ‘Everyone’s Equal’—Until You Were Chinese”
Send us Fan MailYou’ve probably heard the phrase, “Equal protection under the law.”But what happens when the law looks fair on paper… and is used unfairly in real life?In this episode, Jeff dives into one of the most overlooked Supreme Court cases in U.S. history — Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886) — where a Chinese laundry owner in San Francisco stood up to a city ordinance that claimed to be “neutral,”
Strict Liability: When Fault Doesn’t Matter.
Send us Fan MailYou’re liable even if you did nothing wrong. Welcome to Strict Liability—the torts rule that says fault doesn’t matter. In this episode, we break down how owning a vicious dog, storing explosives, or making homemade fireworks can cost you big—even if you were careful. No negligence? No defense. From Rylands v. Fletcher to explosives, delivery drones, and pit bulls on the loose, we
The Reasonable Person Goes To Court.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we move beyond theory and watch the law’s favorite imaginary character face real-life legal drama. We explore how courts decide what’s foreseeable, what behavior counts as reasonable, and what happens when someone says:👉 “I didn’t think that would happen.”You’ll learn:How juries decide what’s “normal” behaviorWhy texting and driving is a perfect case study in unrea
Who Is the Reasonable Person? A Dive into Legal Logic.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Law School in Plain English: Torts, we dive into the world of the “Reasonable Person”—the unsung hero of legal liability. But what happens when this paragon of predictably meets their chaotic counterpart, the Unreasonable Person? Join us for an engaging, humorous exploration of fairness, responsibility, and what it really means to act “reasonably” in the eyes o
Recapture of Chattels - Getting Back What’s Rightfully Yours.
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when someone wrongfully takes your property, and you decide to take matters into your own hands? In this episode, we break down the tort defense of Recapture of Chattels. Using relatable examples and a dash of humor, we’ll explore the legal boundaries of reclaiming stolen or misappropriated property. Can you grab your stolen item back? What if you’re wrong about wh
When Accidents Tell a Story: A Special Res Ipsa Episode.
Send us Fan MailIn this special extended episode, we take a deep dive into the doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur—the legal principle that lets the facts ‘speak for themselves.’ Explore its origins in the famous falling-barrel case, Byrne v. Boadle, and its evolution through landmark decisions involving exploding soda bottles, surgical mishaps, and more. Whether you’re curious about how courts decide
Necessity - Breaking the Rules for the Greater Good.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the defense of Necessity — when breaking the rules is legally justified to prevent greater harm. From stormy backyard emergencies to real-world cases like docked ships, we break down the difference between Public and Private Necessity and how they apply in the law. Tune in to learn how far you can go in an emergency without crossing the legal line.Supp
Consent - When “Yes” Isn’t Forever.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the defense of Consent - what it means to give permission, when it can be revoked, and how long it lasts. From backyard dodgeball to medical procedures, we break down the legal boundaries of Consent in playful and real-world scenarios. By the end, you’ll understand how the law balances permission and accountability!Support the showThanks for listenin
Defense of Property-Protecting What’s Yours.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Law School in Plain English, we explore the limits of defending your property. What actions can you take when someone damages or intrudes on what’s yours? We break down the legal boundaries of reasonable force, when deadly force is never an option, and how this defense applies in real-world and playful sibling scenarios. Tune in to learn where the law draws th
The People v . O.J. Simpson: Preliminary Hearings.
Send us Fan MailWhat happens after an arrest? In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into preliminary hearings-how they test the evidence, shape the case, and set the stage for trial. Using the O.J. Simpson case, we explore how both sides used this critical step to build their arguments. Tune in for an inside look at this pivotal phase of criminal law!Support the showThanks for
Defense of Others - When Can You Step In to Help?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Law School in Plain English, we explore the defense of others—when you can step in to protect someone else and how the law determines if your actions are justified. Using a dramatic family reunion scenario and real-world examples, we break down the key elements: imminent threat, reasonable belief, and proportional response. By the end, you’ll have a clear underst
Defenses of Intentional Torts: Self Defense
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into the defense of self-defense — when the law allows you to protect yourself and what limits apply. Join us as we continue to make legal concepts simple and engaging.Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe/follow and leave a review. Join m
The People v. O.J. Simpson: Probable Cause.
Send us Fan MailWhat is probable cause, and why is it the cornerstone of the criminal justice system? In this episode of Law School In Plain English, we break down the concept of probable cause and its importance in ensuring that arrests and searches are lawful. Using the O.J. Simpson case as our guide, we explore the safeguards built into the legal system to prevent abuse, the standards require
Trespass to Chattels: Borrowed, Broken, or Both?
Send us Fan MailHow far can someone go before interfering with your personal belongings becomes a legal issue? In this episode we dive into the tort of trespass to chattels.Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe/follow and leave a review. Join me next time as we break down another legal concept — one principle
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: When Words Hurt.
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when someone’s actions go beyond rude or offensive and cause extreme emotional harm? In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we unpack the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED). Through engaging examples—including a humorous sibling squabble—we break down what it takes for conduct to cross the line into legal liability. By the end, you’ll
False Imprisonment - Boundaries That Aren’t Physical.
Send us Fan MailIs blocking someone’s way out or detaining a shopper for suspected theft false imprisonment? In this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into the boundaries of this often-misunderstood tort. Using relatable scenarios and real-world examples, we explore what counts as false imprisonment, when it’s legally justified, and how intent and perception play a key role. By th
The People v. O.J. Simpson: What Is Murder?
Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to charge someone with murder? In the episode of Law School in Plain English, we break down one of the most serious criminal charges: murder. Using the O. J. Simpson case as our guide, we’ll explore how prosecutors decide on a murder charge, the legal definition of murder, and what sets it apart from other homicides like manslaughter.Support the showThanks for li
The People v. O.J. Simpson: Actus Reas.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Law School in Plain English, we break down actus reas - the guilty act - a crucial component in proving any crime.Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe/follow and leave a review. Join me next time as we break down another legal concept — one principle at a time.
Battery: When Contact Crosses the Line.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we tackle the concept of battery - exploring when unwanted contact crosses the line into a legal offense. Join us as we unpack what counts as battery, dive into real-life scenarios, and break down how intent and offensiveness come into play.Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe/
Trespass to Land: When Boundaries Are Crossed.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the concept of trespass to land - when crossing boundaries becomes a legal issue. We’ll dive into what qualifies as trespass, from uninvited guest to accidental entries, and break down how the law protects your right to control who steps onto your property. By the end, you’ll know exactly when a simple misstep turns into a matter of trespass.Support th
The People v. O.J. Simpson: Mens Rae.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Law School in Plain English, we dive into one of the most critical concepts in criminal law: mens rea, or the “guilty mind.” Using the famous O.J. Simpson trail as our guide, we’ll explore how intent is established in a criminal case and why it is essential for proving guilt. Hear how both the prosecution and defense approached mens rea through powerful opening
Assault - When Threats Cross the Line.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the legal concept of assault, exploring how a simple threat or gesture can cross the line into a legal offense - even without physical contact. Join us as we break down what counts as assault, unpack key examples, and reveal how intent and perception come into play. By the end, you’ll know exactly where the line is drawn.Support the showThanks for li
The People v. O.J. Simpson: An Introduction to Criminal Law.
Send us Fan MailIn this premier episode of Law School In Plain English: Criminal Law, we dive into the heart of criminal law, using one of the most famous trials in history: The People v. O.J. Simpson. Join us as we unpack what criminal law truly is, how it differs from civil law, and why it plays a crucial role in society. With over 85 trials as a former prosecutor and defense attorney, your h
Conversion- When Borrowing Becomes Stealing.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, join CAT B FIT, our sleek and clever legal guide, as she breaks down the concept of conversion’ — when borrowing turns into taking ownership. CAT B FIT isn’t just a name; each letter represents one of the seven intentional torts in law: Conversion, Assault, Trespass to land, Battery, False Imprisonment, Intentional infliction of emotional distress, and Trespass to
Duty vs. Negligence - The Battle for Responsibility.
Send us Fan MailJoin us as we dive into the concept of duty and what happens when it is ignored. In this episode, we explore real-life stories from recent events to show how the law decides when responsibility falls short and harm is caused. We’ll uncover how courts handle these cases and what it really means when someone is held accountable for negligence.Support the showThanks for listening to
Meet Duty - Your Guide to Responsibility.
Send us Fan MailMeet Superhero Duty, the protector of responsibility, as he swoops in to save the day when people forget their legal obligations. In this episode, we break down what `duty’ means in everyday life and how it helps keep everyone safe. Simple, clear, and fun — because `Hold up, wait a minute, something ain’t right!’Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English.
But-For Causation: Would It Have Happened Without You?
Send us Fan MailJoin us as we explore but-for causation through a sibling chase gone wrong! When a TV comes crashing down, we ask the key legal question: would it have happened without your actions? Find out how this simple but crucial concept shapes the law and who gets blamed when things go wrong.Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode,
Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad: How Far Does Responsibility Go?
Send us Fan MailJoin us as we explore the famous Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad case through a playful sibling chase that spirals out of control. We’ll break down key legal concepts like causation and foreseeability, and discover how far responsibility really goes when things go wrong. Expect simple, engaging explanations-no law degree required!Support the showThanks for listening to Law Schoo
Comparative Negligence: Sharing the Blame.
Send us Fan MailExplore comparative negligence through a playful sibling chase and real-world examples. Learn how responsibility is shared when both parties are at fault, and see how the law divides the blame to ensure a fair outcome.Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe/follow and leave a review. Join me next
Contributory Negligence: The All or Nothing Rule.
Send us Fan MailJoin us aw we break down contributory negligence, where even a small mistake can cost you everything. Through a playful sibling chase and real world examples, we explore how this all-or-nothing rule works and why most states have moved away from it.Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe/follow an
Orientation. Welcome To Law School in Plain English.
Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe/follow and leave a review. Join me next time as we break down another legal concept — one principle at a time.
Negligence: Who Is Responsible When Someone Gets Hurt?
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when things go wrong and someone gets hurt? In this episode, we dive into the world of negligence—who’s to blame and why. From falling objects to missed safety measures, we’ll break down the key elements of negligence with some humor and real-life examples. Join us as we make sense of the law, one (almost) dodged disaster at a time.Support the showThanks for listeni
Res Ipsa: When the Accident Speaks for Itself.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the legal doctrine of res Ipsa loquitur (“the thing speaks for itself”) and how to prove negligence without direct evidence. We break down this key legal concept in under 15 minutes using a simple, relatable scenario to show how it works.Support the showThanks for listening to Law School in Plain English. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to
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